Battle to protect Swansea patch as village green

The residents association want to preserve the grassy patch, situated between the observatory and Trawler Road. Credit: ITV

An inquiry begins in Swansea today that will see 20 witnesses called over four days to investigate whether a grassy patch in the maritime quarter can be legally protected as a public village green and saved from council development.

An independent barrister has been appointed to oversea the hearing which is being held at the Grand Theatre. Swansea Council are to fight the move. Members of the Slipway Road Residents Association believe they can prove the land has been used for recreation and public use for 20 years.

One member Roly Govier said the land was probably worth a lot of money but felt the maritime quarter had had its fill of development and that open spaces were at a premium, "We are down to the final bits," he said.

Swansea Council which owns the land says an inspector will prepare a report following the inquiry and councillors would vote on those recommendations.